More than 2 million people move to Japan every year and it isn’t hard to see why. This country offers amazing cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, cutting-edge technology, and top-rate healthcare. So no matter what you are looking for, Japan has something to offer you.
Of course, relocating to Japan is a huge move and there are a lot of things you need to consider. If you are moving with children or planning a family, understanding how school in Japan works is essential.
So what are your schooling options in Japan and how does the Japanese educational system work? If you are planning to move to Japan, read on to find out everything you need to know.
Different Types of Schools in Japan
There are more than 9.5 million schools across Japan, so you will have plenty of schools to pick from when you move. To help you choose the right school for your children, here are some of the basic types of schools you should know about.
Public Local Schools
Public local schools are run by local districts, so your choice of schools depends on the area you live in. These schools offer education for children from kindergarten right through to university.
Classes are primarily taught in Japanese in public schools. These schools are also much cheaper than private or international schools.
Private Schools
Private schools cost a lot more than public schools and charge tuition fees per term on top of admissions costs.
Most private schools have an entrance exam for their students. However, these schools are not district-dependent. This means that you can send your child to a private school no matter where you live.
Private schools tend to teach classes in a mixture of English and Japanese.
International Schools
International schools generally attract foreign and bicultural students. This is because they teach classes primarily in English, so it is ideal for children who are going to study abroad for the first time.
International schools are by far the most expensive schools in Japan and charge more than most private schools.
Special Educational Needs Schools
Japan also has a number of schools available for students with special educational needs.
Most private and public schools also have provisions in place for students with special educational needs. However, if you feel that your child would struggle in mainstream education, these schools are a great option.
Further Education Institutes
Japan has a range of higher education institutes for students aged 18 and older. These include:
Universities
Junior colleges
Vocational schools
Colleges of technology
Doctoral programs
MSC programs
So if you or your child is interested in pursuing further education, they are plenty of options to choose from.
Schooling For Different Ages in Japan
There are currently more than 18.4 million students in educational institutions across Japan. Foreign students are not subject to compulsory schooling in Japan although it is highly recommended. For Japanese children aged 6 to 15, going to school is compulsory.
Schooling is divided up based age like this:
Non-compulsory kindergarten is available for children aged 3-6
Elementary school teaches children aged 6-12
Junior high school teaches children aged 12-15
High school teaches children aged 15-18
At 15, students can also choose to attend a college of technology or vocational school rather than going to high school. A lot of students go on to college in Japan if they want to pursue a career that requires vocational training.
The Cost of School in Japan
Public school is free in Japan, even for foreign students. However, you will be expected to cover the cost of your child’s lunches, school uniforms, and school materials. Most schools also expect a contribution to the PTA.
In comparison, tuition at private and international schools in Japan is much more expensive.
The price of tuition depends on which grade your child is in and the type of school they attend. In general, fees for Japanese schools are as follows:
Kindergarten costs around $4,000
Six years of elementary school costs between $17,000 and $73,000 (or $2,833 and $12,000 per year)
Three years of middle school cost between $12,500 and $34,000 (or $4,166 and $11,333 per year)
Three years of high school cost between $20,000 and $30,000 (or $6,666 and $10,000 per year)
So it is important to think carefully about your finances when choosing a school for your child.
The School Year in Japan
The school year in Japan runs from April to March and is split into three semesters.
The first semester runs from April 1 to July 20. However, just like in the US, the long summer vacation takes place from July to August.
The second semester runs from early September to December 20. Then students go on their winter vacation.
School resumes for the final semester in early January and this runs until mid-March.
What Are Classes Like in School in Japan?
Most Japanese schools have a principal and vice-principal, along with specialized subject teachers. They will also have a number of homeroom or form teachers that they interact with on a daily basis.
Classes can have between 20 and 40 students in them. Generally, private schools have smaller classes and public schools have bigger classes.
A Typical School Day in Japan
Schools run from Monday to Friday each week, although some schools do have Saturday classes as well. Most school days start at 8:30 a.m. and finish around 3:15 p.m.
During the day, child have six periods lasting around 45-50 minutes with a lunch break around 12:30. Students usually have a small break between each period, especially in elementary school.
The school curriculum centers around three main subjects: compulsory subjects, special activities, and moral education. This includes:
Japanese language and literature
Math
Social studies
Sciences
Music
Arts and crafts
Physical education
Students also have the chance to study foreign languages including English, French, German, and Spanish.
The school system in Japan centers around several key rules.
Attendance is extremely important and can affect students’ grades at the end of the year. Clearly, this works, as 98% of the child population is currently in regular education.
Respect is also extremely important in Japanese schools. Students are expected to treat their teachers and fellow students respectfully at all times. This includes standing when a teacher enters the room.
Schools promote student bonding within their classes by serving lunch in the classrooms, rather than in a cafeteria. These lunches promote healthy eating and are supported by nutritional classes that all pupils have access to.
Students in Japanese schools are also taught the importance of self-sufficiency and independence. After breaks and lunch, the children and teachers clean their own classrooms, rather than getting a janitor in.
On top of this, the schooling system does not provide substitute teachers. Instead, children have supervised study time when a teacher is off and have to submit their work themselves. This encourages self-learning and motivation.
Applying to Japanese Schools
The application process for Japanese schools depends on your educational level and the type of school you want to apply to.
If you are applying to a public school, you need to register your address with the municipal offer. Then you can inform the Board of Education that you want to enroll your child in a public school in the district. They will choose a school for you based on your location and your child’s needs.
It is important to note that you will need to fill out public school application forms in Japanese as well as English (see also ‘Is English Spoken Commonly In Tokyo?‘). You may need to get language support before doing this.
You can apply to a private or international school by contacting them directly. Most schools will send over information about their enrollment requirements and tuition fees.
Private schools will also expect your child to pass an entrance exam. They will let you know when entrance exams take place. You may also be able to make arrangements for your child to sit these remotely if you have not moved to Japan yet.
Because the school year is different in Japan, the deadlines for applying to school are also earlier. You will need to apply for a place at a private or public school by early October.
Benefits of the Japanese Education System
Going to school in Japan can feel very different from the US. However, the Japanese educational system is revered around the world.
This is because there are huge benefits to sending your child to school in Japan. The Japanese education system:
Offers your child access to a wide range of subjects and extra-curricular activities
Teaches children the importance of manners, responsibility, and respect from an early age
Encourages students to be self-sufficient and independent
This means that children can enjoy a well-rounded education during their time at a Japanese school.
Find an Amazing School in Japan For Your Children
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing benefits to sending your child to school in Japan.
School in Japan supports academic and moral learning in an environment that encourages students to be engaged and self-sufficient. There is also a range of different schools on offer so that you can find one that suits your child.
Are you planning a move to Japan? Then check out some of the most beautiful places to live in and visit!
